When it comes to treating joint pain and inflammation, patients often have a variety of options. Two commonly discussed treatments are PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy and Cortisone injections. Both are effective for reducing pain and inflammation, but they work in different ways and may be suited to different types of patients and conditions. Let’s compare the two to help you make an informed decision.
How PRP reduces Joint Pain & Inflammation
PRP therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that uses your body’s own platelets to promote healing. The process involves drawing a small amount of your blood, separating the platelets from the rest of the blood, and then injecting this concentrated solution into the injured or arthritic joint. The growth factors and healing proteins in the platelets stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.
How Cortisone reduces Joint Pain & Inflammation
A cortisone injection helps reduce pain and swelling by calming the body's immune response. It blocks chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling, which eases pressure on nerves and tissues.
PRP vs. Cortisone: Key Differences
| PRP Therapy | Cortisone Injections |
|---|---|
| Promotes healing of tissues and cartilage | Reduces inflammation and provides short-term pain relief |
| Minimal risk of side effects | Can cause potential side effects like joint weakening over time |
| Takes longer to show effects (weeks to months) | Provides rapid pain relief (within a few days) |
| Focuses on long-term recovery | Effective for short-term symptom management |
| Can be more beneficial for chronic conditions or degenerative diseases | More suitable for acute flare-ups or severe inflammation |
Which One is Right for You?
For quick relief: Cortisone is ideal for short-term pain management.
For long-term healing: PRP is better for slowing disease progression and repairing tissue.
For chronic conditions: PRP can help improve joint health, while cortisone mainly provides symptom relief.
In some cases, a staggered approach may be considered:
- Cortisone first – If a joint is severely inflamed, a cortisone injection may be given to quickly reduce swelling and pain
- PRP later – After a few weeks (once cortisone effects wear off), PRP can be injected to promote long-term healing.
Using them together at the same time is avoided because cortisone may reduce the effectiveness of PRP by interfering with the natural healing response. If you're considering both treatments, book an appointment with The Oklahoma Joint Reconstruction Institute to determine which option is best suited for your condition, health goals, and lifestyle.
AUTHOR: Dr. Paul Jacob is a certified master surgeon in joint replacement and robotic joint replacement of the hip and knee in Oklahoma City. Dr. Jacob is recognized as one of the Top 3 Orthopedic Surgeons in Oklahoma, who has performed over 5000 robotic joint replacement procedures. Dr. Jacob is active in numerous research studies on joint replacement technology and robotic outcomes.
